There are no precise numbers and descriptions of what will happen in every case after a miscarriage. Every situation is different, depending on how far the pregnancy was and how each body handles it. But there are still some general guidelines that can give you an idea about what to expect.

What happens after a miscarriage?

Whether you have a D&C or a natural miscarriage, you may experience mild menstrual-like cramps afterward for a couple of days and light bleeding for a week or two.

• Use pads instead of tampons

• You can take acetaminophen or ibuprophen to ease the cramps pain

• Avoid sex, swimming, douching and using vaginal medications for at least a week or two and until the bleeding stops.

We recommend that you use the Anion Love Moon Sanitary Napkins because of their:

• high absorbency
• anti-bacterial and deodorization functions
• special bottom layer which allows air flow, prevents irritation and helps you feel comfortable.

How much bleeding should I expect after miscarriage?

The bleeding associated with a miscarriage can be heavy with large clots without meaning a medical emergency. But if you are soaking a sanitary pad in an hour, have any signs of infection (fever, achiness, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge) or feel excessive pain, call your practitioner immediately or go to the emergency room.

How long does bleeding last after miscarriage?

The duration of bleeding associated with a miscarriage is different for every woman, but the bleeding should not remain heavy for more than a few days and should stop within about two weeks in most cases. If you have had bleeding heavier than an average menstrual period for more than two or three days, it is a good idea to see your doctor to rule out complications.

Everybody, men and women alike, would like mommy to get back to her good looking shape as soon as possible after giving birth. But is that realistic? And what are the steps to take to lose all the extra pounds? It is good to know what to expect, because otherwise you might grow very disappointed and frustrated. No, you won’t be back in your pre-natal shape when you step out of the hospital. The good news is that you can get back there in 6 to 8 months. Just be realistic, patient and perseverant.

First of all, consider that it took nine months to put on those pounds and it is unrealistic to expect to get rid of them overnight. You should give yourself just at least about the same time for the process to be reversed. Don’t pack clothes that you wore before being pregnant to wear when coming home from the hospital. Even after giving birth, there are still lots of extra fluids in your body and it will take about 2 or 3 weeks to eliminate them. Then, consider that it takes about 4 weeks for the uterus to contract back to its normal size.

There are three basic ways that will help you lose the extra pounds:

• Breastfeeding
• Healthy diet
• Exercise

Let’s briefly discuss about each one.

BREASTFEEDING is not only very healthy for the baby, but will also help the mother lose weight, since producing the milk requires about 500 calories every day. That can help reduce some of the fat that was gained during pregnancy. Actually one of the reasons your body put on weight during pregnancy was to store the energy it takes to breastfeed the baby. Therefore, losing calories through breastfeeding completes a natural program.

The other two methods –healthy diet and exercise are the basic weight loss methods in any situation. There are still a few specific details that should be applied in this particular case:

• Don’t diet for the first three months after birth. Start by just eating a well-balanced diet and moving your body.
• Wait 6 weeks after a vaginal birth and 8 weeks after a c-section before you start exercising.
• Low-impact exercises are recommended, such as walking or swimming.
• Focus on nutrition, not on weight-loss diets.
• Eat several, small, healthy meals a day.
• Be patient and perseverant.
• Ask your doctor before changing your diet or starting any new exercise program.                                                 Ruth Taylor

The birth of a child is definitely a very important and touching moment. Since you have looked this article up, this means you are interested in preparing this unique moment, which is very wise to do. When the time comes, you don’t want to be running around to get everything you need (and most probably forget things). That is why a checklist and its preparation in advance is a very useful and wise thing to do.

There are four different categories of things to pack, and it is probably a good idea to place them in different bags:

• For labor
• For your partner
• For your baby
• Postpartum

FOR LABOR:

• Documents – birth plan, insurance card;
• Toiletries –toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush, comb, lip balm, massage oil, hair band and barrettes. Hospitals will have soap, shampoo and lotion, but if you prefer your own brands you can pack that too.
• A T-shirt or nightgown for birth (one that you can throw away afterwards), a robe (for walking around) socks and slippers. Make sure the gown has either loose sleeves or short sleeves, so that your blood pressure can easily be checked.
• Music and something to read to pass the time, extra pillows if you think you might need them (if you do, use a colorful pillowcase so that you don’t lose your pillow among the hospital pillows.)

FOR YOUR PARTNER:

• Money for parking and change for vending machines;
• Some snacks and something to read during the early stages;
• A few basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant);
• A change of clothes;
• Camera(s), batteries, extra film or tape, extra memory card;
• Phone card for long distance calls (some hospitals don’t allow cell phones in) and address book.

FOR YOUR BABY:

• Newborn clothing (including cap and socks);
• Two receiving blankets;
• Extra newborn-sized diapers;
• Gentle baby wipes;
• Baby nail clippers (most babies are born with long fingernails and can scratch their face);
• Baby car seat.

POSTPARTUM

• A fresh nightgown;
• A nursing bra, breast pads, and maternity underwear;
• High absorbency sanitary pads (we recommend Anion Love Moon Sanitary Napkins) –the hospital provides some but you will need a lot of them;
• Some snacks;
• Clothing for the trip home (bring some comfortable clothes, such as some of your second trimester maternity clothes).

I hope you find this list useful. You can leave a comment if this has been of any help or if you have suggestions of things to add to the list.

Ruth Taylor